Flaming Blades Duel in Style

This past Sunday, the Flaming Blades hosted a very successful mixed open tournament in Hales Gym. For 12 hours, 50 fencers from Oberlin, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Kent stabbed each other repeatedly.

On Guard: Two fencers duel at the Oberlin-run tournament held in Hales Gymnasium. (photo by Brian Hodgkin)

Despite their low rankings, all of the Blades fenced fabulously. Obies comprised 12 of the 50 competitors, most fencing two weapons. Captain senior Jay Gates, continuing the Blades' recent tradition of nonchalant success, competed in a third weapon, sabre, on a whim. He became only the second three-weapon man Oberlin has had since the 1980s. To the surprise of all, he took third place.

In epeč, alumnus Matt Strine placed fourth and first-year Chloe Hawkins took ninth. The Blades were somewhat less successful in foil, with Gates, the highest finisher, at ninth.

This tournament was a distinct success for the Oberlin College Fencing Club (OCFC). Unlike most tournaments, which are run by the Northern Ohio Division of the U.S. Fencing Association, this tourney was entirely Oberlin-run. It turned out to be one of the largest, most organized, enjoyable and friendliest competitions of the year. Best of all, the club made over $600, which will go towards sending the team to Division I Nationals in July.

On Guard: Two fencers duel at the Oberlin-run tournament held in Hales Gymnasium. (photo by Brian Hodgkin)

The tournament was a great beginning to the semester's regular competition. The next several weeks will go into training for tournaments further afield. The Blades will be headed to Columbus and Michigan over the coming month.

A highlight of the day was the fashion sported by the OCFC. Although the traditional uniform is all white, Oberlin could not help but add a little flare. The team is known throughout the community for their socks: bright red, purple, leopard print, mismatched stripes and the team colors, rainbow stripes. Moreover, senior Douglas Gerlach and fifth-year Catie Bull were seen wearing a large, flamboyant pirate hat with feathers and a pirate bandana with Mickey Mouse ears, respectively.

Fifth-year Catie Bull is a member of the Oberlin fencing team.